Redbirds improve to .500 with a win over Pinckneyville

September 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20170903/panthers-come-up-short-against-redbirds

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (Amanda Jarzynski, DuQuoin Call.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Panthers’ senior Tyler Rice came up big in his team’s 36-14 loss Friday night to the West Frankfort Redbirds. The wide receiver, who also plays linebacker for the Pinckneyville squad, stripped the football from the Redbirds’ quarterback Connor Eaton, scooped up the loose ball and sprinted 90 yards for the touchdown.

This put the Panthers on the board in the second quarter, but West Frankfort still led 12-7.

The Redbirds clicked for 469 rushing yards as Madison Allen led the way with 213 and three touchdowns. Eaton followed with 168 rushing yards.

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

Rangers roll past Sparta with big 2nd quarter; improve to 1-1 on season

September 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20170902/rangers-roll-past-sparta-with-big-2nd-quarter-improve-to-1-1-on-season

SPARTA, IL – ( Rick Hayes, Benton News.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

A scoreless second half resulted in the Rangers’ first win of the season.

Benton, now 1-1, will host Pinckneyville on Friday.

Five different players found the end zone for Benton in its first road test of the season.
The Rangers had three rushing touchdowns of four yards each from Hamilton Page, Blane Pankey and Andrew Dunn. Benton rushed for 188 yards while the defense held Sparta to 157 yards, and no single rusher getting more than 55 yards.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sports

Southern Illinois High School Scoreboard: WF Redbirds-Team of the week.

September 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

The Redbirds in the final three minutes of halftime, getting ready to put together an impressive second half. Thank you Caryn Novak for letting me use your pictures.

There is not any upsets tonight.  I have to give the team of the week to the West Frankfort Redbirds.  I thought it would be a low scoring tight game.  Michael Marlo did an outstanding job brining it to me tonight.  I wish I was there .

There will be another homer pick tomorrow on Sportsvoice.  I look for Mike Murphy and Scott Hudson to give the Herrin Tigers the team of the week.  It is well deserved.

S-V-W-W makes the long trip to Albion tonight, pulled off another impressive win against the Edwards County Lions.  They were last weeks team of the week, they deserve some special mention.

 

Black Diamond

Carmi-White County 40 (1-1)   Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton 0 (0-2)

Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn 34 (2-0)  Edwards County 7 (1-1)

Fairfield 56 (2-0)   Chester 22 (0-2)

Johnston City 14  (1-1) Hamilton County 0 (0-2)

Eldorado (1-0) at Vienna-Goreville (1-0) (Sat 1 p.m.)

 

Southern Illinois River to River- intra division games

Benton 29 (1-1)  Sparta  13 (0-2)

West Frankfort  36 (1-1)  Pinckneyville  14 (0-2)

Herrin 49 (2-0)  Carterville 20 (1-1)

DuQuoin 33 (2-0) Harrisburg 27 (1-1)

Anna Jonesboro 43 (2-0)  Murphysboro 14 (0-2)

Nashville 17 (1-1)   Massac County 12 (0-2)

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Christopher High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Slider, Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn 1-0 at Edwards County 1-0

September 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

The Red Devils in Week one pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the night, by defeating Carmi-White County 27-12 on the road.

With this win, this establishes them as one of the potential  upper division teams in the Black Diamond.  In conversations that I have had with coach John Shadowens, one of the goals of the team is to improve on the 5-5 record of last year.

They make the long trip to Albion tonight to take on the Edwards County Lions, who defeated the Hamilton County Foxes, 21-6 last Friday night.

I am curios how this game will go.  The Lions improved on their record, going 3-6.  When they were in the Little Illini, they were a 1A school playing in a 3A-4A conference.

If the Lions could have at least a 5-4 season, they could be a force one day in the 1A playoffs.

I am going with the Red Devils by 10 in this one tonight.

Here is a link to Richard Blakely’s tape delay broadcast on WXAN in Ava.

Here is a link to WOKZ in Fairfield that is the voice of the Edwards County Lions.

https://www.network1sports.com/broadcast/today.php?page=2&state=IL

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports

Carmi-White County 0-1 at Christopher-Zeigler-Royalton 0-1

September 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

C-Z-R’s Greg Fletcher hauls in the catch against Vienna in Week one. (Thank you to Randall Risley)

In a game that I thought would be more competitive, the Bearcats struggle continues in the first quarter, as Vienna-Goreville spoiled Bearcat Coach Anthony Hargorve’s debut, 41-6.

The Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlawn Red Devils came into Carmi, and upset the Bulldogs 27-12 last week.

Carmi-White County coach Kurt Simon had to say this about tonight’s game against C-Z-R,   “With a new coach and some new faces on their team, I expect them to come out with a lot of enthusiasm.  I’m sure they addressed the way they came out in their first game all week and want to come out ready to play.and I’m sure they will.

We have a few gimpy players that will still play tonight but are not 100 percent.  Our best lineman/linebacker is out for our game tonight Mitchell Nelson who is sick. So we will be a little short handed.”

Looking at the box score against SVWW, there were a lot of familiar names for the Bulldogs from last football season and on the hardwood.

I am going to be honest, the very young Bearcat team will take their lumps this year.  The goal is to get better every game.  The best thing that could happen to their program is to win a game.

There are a lot of freshman and sophomores at the skill positions.  The freshman team had a very good year last season, finishing either 6-3 or 7-2.

The Bearcat fan support was unreal last year, as I was at every home game.  I am going with Carmi by 21 tonight.  Later in the year, the Bearcats will upset someone, mark my word.

Around the Black Diamond, I was surprised that Fairfield went down to Johnston City and spanked them 48-0.  Eldorado beat Chester 42-22,  I think they have to be the favorites again this year.  You could see the Bulldogs, SVWW, or Chester sneaking up and posting a 7-2 mark.

The future will be bright for this young Bearcat team.  The goal is to improve every week.

Link to Randall Risley’s Story on the Vienna game in the Benton News

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20170830/christopher-bearcats-get-rolled-by-vienna-goreville-in-opener

Link to WRUL in Carmi who will be carrying the game

https://www.network1sports.com/broadcast/today.php?page=3&state=IL

 

 

 

Filed Under: Christopher High School Sports, High School Sports, Slider, Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

Pinckneyville 0-1 at West Frankfort 0-1

September 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

The Redbirds opened the 2017 campaign with a 43-18 loss to the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats.  The Redbirds are very young with mainly sophomores and juniors in the skill positions.  They did not have an answer for Jayce Turner, who rushed for 200 yards.

Here is what West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery had to say about tonight’s matchup with the Panthers.   “Pinckneyville has a lot of size and their running backs have great speed. They run a spread offense and try to spread the defense out to cover the entire field. Running the ball is what they are best at, but also have an efficient passing game.

Their defense is lead by their two inside and two outside linebackers. They are big, strong kids, that have a nose for the football. In order for us to be successful our defense will have to play a very physical game, and contain Pinckneyville’s speed. Offensively, we will have to do a better job of taking care of the football, take what Pinckneyville’s defense gives us, and get off to a quick start.

Pinckneyville  fell to Red Bud last week 21-7 in their opener.

This young Redbird team showed last week how explosive they could be.  They scored two TD’s and was deep in the Anna-Jonesboro end zone in the closing seconds of the first half.

They ended their long losing streak last year on the turf in Perry County, against the Panthers.  I just have a good feeling about tonight.  They played a much cleaner game after the first quarter last week.  This might be a team that will have growing pains at times, but were successful at the lower levels.  I am going with the Redbirds by 3, especially at home.

As far as the SIRR Ohio, I feel that Harrisburg established early they are the team to beat, after upsetting Mt. Carmel in week one.  I will be keeping a close eye on A-J and Murphysboro, and Herrin-Carterville to night to see how things might stack up in the conference.

If you can’t make it to tonight’s game please tune into Rick Westemeyer and Michael Marlo on WFRX 95.5 FM/1300 AM “The Fan”

 

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports

Benton 0-1 at Sparta 0-1

September 1, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

The Benton Rangers in Week One put together  a stellar effort against the Carterville Lions, before falling late 28-15.  The game was tied going into the fourth quarter.

The Rangers against Carterville last Friday night. (Thank you Lana Schilli for use of the picture.)

Watching the game film last week, two of the things that impressed me was how Hamilton Page threw strikes to his intended targets, spreading it out to their intended receivers.  Also he called several names as well, as they spread the wealth among their running backs.

Both the offensive and defensive lines kept Luke Ford in check most of the game, especially the O’line.

Tonight Benton travels to Sparta, who lost to Freeburg last week 62-18.  Here is what Ranger Coach Bob Pankey had to say about tonight’s matchup.    “The keys for us will be to establish offensive momentum early, just like we did last Friday against Carterville, and defensively, to not give up big plays.”

We will go with the same lineup for the most part. We will also make a conscious effort to try to keep kids as fresh as possible as the game progresses. Having watched the game film from last Friday night, I felt like we played very hard and competed well to the end.

Defensively, we flew around and played physical. Offensively, we have to control the line of scrimmage a bit better, but we were able to work our pass game well, especially early on in the game. I feel like are poised to be able to climb and continue to get better, there are lots of good things we can continue to build on.”

From what I watched last Friday night, this could be a Ranger team that will be in the thick of things in the SIRR Ohio.  Harrisburg established themselves as the frontrunner after what they did at Mt. Carmel last Friday.

There are two games that I am going to pay close attention to tonight to see how the SIRR-Ohio will stack up.  That will be A-J and Murphysboro, and Carterville and Herrin.  I will watch the video of Carterville and Herrin this weekend.  If Muphy archives it (I know they have live video), I will watch the other game as well.

One thing I am starting to learn is keep game notes, programs, and every scribble mark from each game.   I remember from last year there was a very good QB and receiver that were freshmen that came in against West Frankfort last year when the game got out of reach.

Sparta always has good athletes and known as a track school.  Their football program has suffered over the last few years.  Tonight I am going with the Rangers in a 20 point win.  I will be writing a preview for a game in week 10 if this Benton bunch continues to build on week one.

If you can’t make the trip to Randolph County tonight, join Travis Severin and Danny Czerwinski on Q106.

Link to the Benton News preview.

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/sports/20170831/benton-rangers-look-to-get-in-win-column-this-coming-friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Slider, Sports

Cardinals Recall John Gant; Activate Kevin Siegrist from DL & Option

August 31, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have recalled right-handed pitcher John Gant from triple-A Memphis to join the team for tonight’s game in San Francisco. The team also announced that left-handed pitcher Kevin Siegrist was activated from the 10-day disabled list and designated for assignment.

 

John Gant, zimbio.com

Gant, 25, was acquired by the Cardinals last December in the trade that sent Jaime Garcia to the Atlanta Braves. In 18 starts with Memphis this season, Gant is 6-5 with a 3.83 ERA, pitching 103.1 innings while striking out 99 batters, ranking 10th in the Pacific Coast League.

He has won his last five decisions over seven starts dating back to July 24, the only pitcher in the Pacific Coast League with at least five wins and no losses during that span. Gant has held his opposition to three runs or less in each of his last four starts and has not allowed a home run since August 4th. He earned Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week honors during the week of June 12-18.

Gant began the 2017 season on the 10-day disabled list on the St. Louis roster and was optioned to Memphis upon activation from the disabled list on May 16. He was recalled to St. Louis on May 31 and made one relief appearance throwing 3.1 innings at Cincinnati on June 6, which is tied for the longest relief outing by a Cardinals pitcher this season.

Siegrist was 1-1 with a 4.98 ERA and one save in 39 relief appearances this season.
Gant wears uniform No. 53.

Filed Under: Sports

Space open in RLC’s Illinois Hunter Safety course

August 31, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer -Rend Lake College Public Information

MT. VERNON, IL – Those looking to apply for a new hunting license have the chance to attend a free course at Rend Lake College to fulfill an Illinois requirement. Participation in RLC’s Hunter Safety course is a necessity in state statute for hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, when applying for a hunting license.

Course topics include wildlife management, firearms safety, hunter ethics, game identification, first aid, survival techniques, and regulations, and is taught by Sam Settle of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The class will meet from 6 – 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8 and from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at the RLC MarketPlace, Room 354 A and B, in Mt. Vernon.

For more information or to pre-register for the course, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. Participants must attend both sessions, and bring a pen or pencil to class.

Filed Under: Sports

Pitcher Mike Leake dealt to Seattle for shortstop Rayder Ascanio

August 30, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the St. Louis Cardinals

ST. LOUIS, MO –  The St. Louis Cardinals announced today that they have acquired minor league shortstop Rayder Ascanio from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-handed pitcher Mike Leake and international cap space totaling $750,000 for the current international signing period.

Ascanio, 21, was signed by the Mariners as an international free agent in 2012 at age 16 and the slick fielding infielder has compiled a career batting mark of .240 with 15 HR’s and 158 RBI in 425 games at the minor league level.

The switch-hitting Ascanio, a native of Mariara, Venezuela, was batting .217 with 9 HR’s and 44 RBI in 111 games this season between Tacoma (AAA), Clinton (A) and Modesto (A). He is expected to be assigned to the Palm Beach Cardinals (A) roster.
Today’s trade will require an addition to the Cardinals 25-man active roster. That transaction is expected to be announced tomorrow.

Leake, 29, was 7-12 with a 4.21 ERA in 26 starts for the Cardinals this season and has a career mark of 80- 76, 4.02 ERA in eight seasons with Cincinnati (2010-15), San Francisco (2015) and St. Louis (2016-17). He went 16-24 with a 4.46 ERA in his 56 starts for the Cardinals after signing as a free agent in December of 2015.

The Cardinals and Mariners announced a trade last month that sent power-hitting outfielder Tyler O’Neill (28 HR’s in 2017) to the Cardinals organization in exchange for left-handed pitcher Marco Gonzales.

Filed Under: Sports
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